What’s up folks? It’s the end of the week, and I couldn’t be any more ready for the weekend. With the NBA playoffs happening, as well as Sen. Ted Kennedy being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor after being admitted to the hospital, it’s been another eventful five. Congratulations to Jessica Alba, who married her boyfriend Cash Warren and Save the Last Dance star Sean Patrick Thomas and his wife Aonika Laurent, who welcomed their first child last week. Shout out to my sister Reanea, whose hard work will be rewarded this weekend with a Masters degree and the sounding boards, who always keep their composure whenever it gets really crazy with this gig. So now it is time for…the Last Word for the week ending May 23, 2008. 1. Kelly Rowland Lends Writing Talent to the Kids Music may have its high points, but nothing beats the thrill of a new hustle. Just ask Kelly Rowland, who is exercising her mind rather than voice by writing a new children’s book. Ask the singer about the inspiration behind her newest endeavor and she’ll proudly mention her five godchildren. Although Rowland relishes the opportunity to write the currently untitled book, she was tight-lipped about the details. “Everything is confidential right now, but I’m really excited because I’ve talked to some different publishing companies and got some people interested,” Rowland told People. I guess time will tell if there’s more than one book in Kelly’s future. No doubt the children are the future, but what’s up with the music? If platinum status is hard to come by, a spot on the New York Times children’s bestseller book list may be what the doctor ordered. Otherwise, she could become an unfortunate victim of that prophet Snoop, who once said “You without me is like Harold Melvin without the Blue Notes. You’ll never go platinum.” 2. Syesha Mercado, the Black Christina Aguilera? Although she lost the American Idol title to David Cook, Syesha Mercado is moving on to bigger and better things. The singer, who some say didn’t establish her own identity among her competitors, admits that her musical self is comprised of “a mix of a lot of things.” “I’m like a Black Christina Aguilera [or] Alicia Keys. I definitely can see myself putting together a Christina Aguilera album, the one that she just recently did and an Alicia Keys album like The Diary of Alicia Keys,” Mercado reportedly said as she revealed her like of pop, R&B and “the old school, new school thing” as it relates to her growth as an artist. And if you’re still confused about her, don’t worry. Syesha says we’ll get know who she is once her album drops. In the meantime, the songbird has a variety of goals on her list such as starring in a film, performing on Broadway and even opening up an organic restaurant. I admit I’m a sucker for a woman with a great voice. And Syesha can hang. But with all the stuff she wants to do, will she even have time to put that album out? So will the real Syesha Mercado please stand up? Let the work begin on that debut album titled American Meltdown: Identity Crisis. 3. Solange Admits She’s No Beyonce Although her big sister has secured a place in music as an international hitmaker and showstopper, don’t look for Solange Knowles to become Beyonce Jr. The singer is trying to carve her own niche with her upcoming album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. And just so you don’t get it twisted, Solange states her case in song on the track “God Given Name” as she sings “I’m not her and never will be / two girls gone in different directions, striving towards the same galaxy / let my star light shine on its own / No, I’m no sister, I’m just my God-given name” Love her or hate her, you gotta respect that. Solange wants to come out of B’s huge shadow. It’s pretty big, but at least she’s trying. Now if only every other female singer out now can do that, then we may have some good music to hear. Just a thought. Solange coming out of Beyonce’s shadow is like the Jacksons (with the exception of Janet) coming out of Michael’s shadow. You know that Tito hasn’t been same since that Motown 25 special. And Marlon, well…. 4. Pretty Ricky Relive the ‘80s With New Member Things may have stopped with the departure of Marcus “Pleasure” Cooper, but Pretty Ricky is moving ahead with the addition of its newest member 4 Play. The move comes as the group prepares to release of its forthcoming album ‘80s Babies. Fans were treated to a behind the scenes look at Pretty Ricky as the members worked in the studio and hung out in Miami in a series of webisodes that were shown on their website, PrettyRicky.com. This week also saw the release of Pretty Ricky’s new single “Cuddle Up.” The track, which features Butta Creame, is set to hit radio soon after its debut on radio stations in the group’s home state of Florida. Look for Pretty Ricky’s ‘80s Babies to hit stores on Aug. 26. 5. Rihanna Dreams of New Underwear Collection; Gets Love From KFC Hit albums and a spot on Kanye West’s Glow in the Dark Tour could satisfy any number of artists, but Rihanna is taking things a step further with dreams of creating her own collection of underwear. The singer has seemingly shown an interest in expanding her brand beyond the line of umbrellas she has out now as she hints that, “There might be a clothing line on the horizon, maybe underwear.” As it stands now, there isn’t any word on when the panties will be available. Although she’s taking the Beyonce/Jay-Z road when it comes to her rumored romantic relationship with Chris Brown, Rihanna did manage to catch the eye of the good folks at KFC. The couple served as accidental promoters of the fast food chain after they were recently caught making out at a Florida KFC location. KFC’s chief marketing officer was so grateful for RiRi and Brown’s PDA that the New York Post reports he offered the pair a free meal via a letter he wrote to Rihanna. “Clearly, like our founder Colonel Sanders, you two know how to kick it up a few degrees. We could feel the heat – literally – in our restaurant that night. So much so that we’d like to invite you and Chris back to any KFC for a free meal,” wrote James O’Reily, who stated that he would sweeten the deal even more if Rihanna and Brown show their love for each other again. “We’ll make a donation to your charity, Believe, which helps underprivileged children.” If making out is all it takes to get a free meal from KFC, then I wonder what it would take to get a 20-piece bucket of the Colonel’s original and extra crispy. I’m just saying. Possibilities could be infinite. You gotta eat, you know 6. Janet Jackson Gives Number Out With Tour News Get ready, Rhythm Nation. Your leader, Janet Jackson, is hitting the road for her first tour in seven years. The outing, which is called the Rock Witchu tour, will kick off in Vancouver, British Columbia on Sept. 20. Jackson will perform many of her classic hits as well as songs from her latest album Discipline. She even promises a few surprises for fans, who can call a special phone number (323-622-8139) to make special requests. They can also leave a message or “feedback” for Janet or listen to messages that have already been left. ‘Nuff said. Time to make a few calls and see just how crazy some of Janet’s fans really are. In Other Words…* After dancing on the small screen and posing for a lingerie company, Mel B is going back to her day job. The Spice Girl is currently working on a new solo album. According to the Mel B, she has completed about six or seven songs for the project, which she has been working on for the last six week. Among the producers line up for album are Scott Storch and Damon Elliott. Mel B is hoping to unleash her solo effort before the end of the year.* Once again the Winehouse bug has bitten me. Iconic soul diva Tina Turner is giving her two cents on Amy Winehouse as she urges the troubled singer to deal with her issues. “Her problems started before the success and that is the problem,” Turner told WENN. “This girl’s voice is wonderful, timeless. If she wants to help herself…of course she can and she must.” Again, the clock keeps ticking for Amy to come back to reality. Somehow I see an Oscar going to the actress who nails the big screen version of the singer’s story. Ray won’t have anything on this story. Let’s hope Amy is around to see the finished product.* Houston broke his silence about his missing eye…among other things. Watch the video:
